Captain's Corner: Container Security

This month’s Captain’s Corner is brought to you by LCDR Stephen West, Marine Safety Detachment Supervisor in Port Canaveral. Stephen reported to us this year from our Congressional Affairs staff in D.C. this summer and is already doing an outstanding job. Thanks to all who have made Stephen welcome in Canaveral and who are working with him as the port continues to grow and expand. I hope everyone enjoys November and is able to celebrate Veteran’s Day in a way that recognizes the many outstanding Veterans who have served our country and now live and work in our community. See you in the Port!- CAPT Tom Allan

Container Security

By LCDR Stephen West, Marine Safety Detachment Supervisor, Port CanaveralAlmost 90 percent of the world’s manufactured goods move by container and 40 percent of that is moved by ship. Last year, the U.S. received over 11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 742 foreign ports. For perspective, the Port of Jacksonville received just under a million of those TEUs and the Port of Canaveral took in about 100. With the announcement of a 35-year lease agreement with Gulftainer (GT), one of the world’s largest privately owned port management and logistics companies, the Canaveral Port Authority plans to increase container volume dramatically starting in June of 2015. Once fully operational, GT terminal anticipates handling up to 700,000 TEUs a year, or roughly five container ships a week. Imported containers represent an important component of our economy, providing consumers with an enormous array of choices; however, they also pose challenges for law enforcement officials who are tasked with ensuring our safety and security.To balance the need to participate in the global economy and the security concerns associated with the millions of cargo containers entering U.S. ports every year, Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) carries out a series of programs designed to extend our zone of security outward so that American borders are the last line of defense. The first step is identifying “high-risk” containers. Shipping companies are required to provide manifest data for all containers destined for the U.S. Every manifest is transmitted to the U.S. National Targeting Center where automated tools, based on advanced information from U.S. intelligence sources, are used to identify “high-risk” cargo that pose a potential risk. A key piece in identifying these “high-risk” containers is CBP’s direct coordination with foreign authorities in 58 of the largest ports in the world, representing 80 percent of all maritime containerized cargo imported into the U.S.Once identified, CBP uses large scale X-ray and gamma ray machines, radiation detection devices, and physical inspection techniques to screen containers on foreign soil, as early in the supply chain as possible. Through the use of technology, this screening can be done rapidly and without slowing down the movement of trade. CBP currently uses risk-based analysis and intelligence to pre-screen, assess, and examine 100 percent of suspicious containers.An additional layer to CBP’s enforcement strategy is a voluntary supply chain security program called Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Companies who achieve C-TPAT certification must allow CBP to audit their supply chains and have a documented process for determining and alleviating risk throughout their international system. Companies accepted into C-TPAT are considered low-risk and are, therefore, less likely to be examined, allowing CBP officials to focus more time and attention on higher risk companies. Today, more than 10,000 certified partners participate in the program, accounting for over 50 percent (by value) of what is imported into the United States.At home, one of CBP’s container security efforts includes radiation portal monitors (RPM). The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 requires all containers entering the U.S., through the 22 ports with the greatest container volume, to be screened for radiation. The RPM program satisfies this mandate and is run by CBP and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). The DNDO conducts research, development and evaluations of nuclear and radiological detection technologies. It is responsible for acquiring the technology systems in support of DHS operational components such as CBP, Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration. According to the DNDO, there are currently 444 RPMs screening 99 percent of inbound containerized cargo at seaports; the other 1 percent of incoming cargo enters the U.S. at low-volume seaports.Although Custom officials examine 100 percent of suspicious containers bound for the U.S., such large numbers make physically inspecting each container impossible without a significant negative economic impact. Not including those containers screened by RPMs, a smaller percentage of containers, those deemed “high threat,” are physically inspected using non-intrusive techniques to detect contraband hidden within the cargo. The U.S. Coast Guard and CBP are aggressively pursuing and testing technologies that would allow ports to physically scan more containers without disrupting the essential flow of commerce. In the meantime, most experts agree that a risk-based approach based on multiple intelligence sources is the preferred option in ensuring cargo security.Featured image by Coast Guard News on Flickr, CC license

Captain's Corner: Port Security

November was a great month to be in Jacksonville. The city working with business and organizations across the area successfully completed another “Week of Valor” honoring the many Veterans that call Jacksonville home. In the middle of the “Week of Valor”, my team, supported by the U.S. Navy League Mayport Council and Propeller Club members was able to put on our first Jacksonville Women’s Leadership Symposium. It was a fantastic day with a keynote speech provided by Donna Deegan (Donna’s Foundation), and included great representation from the maritime industry and Propeller Club. I would like to personally think Victoria Robas (JAXPORT), Liz Carlson (Crowley), Liz Miller (Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics), Tammy Emerson (W & O Supply), and Leslie Detlefsen (Moran Environmental Recovery) for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend and more importantly participate – their individual involvement inspired the audience and will certainly have long lasting impacts for the nearly 200 men and women in attendance.The substance of this month’s Coast Guard Corner is brought to you by Petty Officer Martin Jetchev, assigned to Sector Jacksonville for the past two years and working in our Prevention Department. Keep an eye out for Petty Officer Jetchev in the port – he is sure to be one of the Coast Guard’s future leaders. As always, if you have recommendations for future topics, we would appreciate your input. See you in the port!- CAPT Tom Allan

Suspicious Activity Reporting Increases by 100%

By MST3 Martin JetchevAs listed in 33 Code of Federal Regulations 101.305 (a); Notification of suspicious activities: “An owner or operator required to have a security plan… shall, without delay, report activities that may result in a transportation security incident (TSI) to the National Response Center (NRC).”These words comprise the current available public guidance in regard to suspicious activity (SA). Based on inconsistent reporting and a subsequent review of facility security plans, as well as the Area Maritime Security Plan, there may not be a common understanding of what constitutes SA between the Coast Guard and port stakeholders. As a result, actions or observed events that could be classified as SA by security personnel are not reliably reported to the NRC.In an effort to clarify the identification and reporting of SA, the COTP Sector Jacksonville, working with port partners, released a Public Security Information Bulletin regarding Suspicious Activity and Reporting Procedures. A Suspicious Activity is defined as any observable activity, behavior(s), or conditions that a reasonable prudent person would consider out of the ordinary for the environment in which the activity occurs or that appears unusual based on immediate facts and circumstances, or an activity that may result in a TSI. SA may include unfamiliar persons in areas that are restricted to regular employees and unusual behavioral patterns such as not responding to verbal commands.Responding to reports of SA provides Sector Jacksonville the opportunity to identify and analyze suspicious trends that may present an indication or warning prior to potentially subversive acts against the Maritime Transportation System. For example, Sector Jacksonville received intermittent reports of ammunition being found during luggage screening at cruise terminals in 2011. Since discussion with port partners with regard to including the discovery of ammunition in luggage as SA, there has been a consistent process and an increase of these reports.The accurate documentation of SA reports contributes to the understanding of possible adversarial techniques, tactics, and procedures for circumventing security measures. Through the combined efforts to clarify SA between the Coast Guard and local maritime community, Sector Jacksonville has seen a marked impact in reports to the NRC. In comparison to 2012, Sector Jacksonville has noted a 25% decrease in breaches of security for the year. Meanwhile, SA reports have increased by 100%, totaling 24 notifications to date. As we strive to maintain safety and security within our ports, forming a synergistic bond with port stakeholders in concert with their own security initiatives, will continue to prove to be the most effective measure.[divider]Featured image: Petty Officer Martin Jetchev, during a response to a boat grounding in St. Augustine. Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Jorgensen

Captain's Corner: Cyber Security

This month’s Coast Guard Corner is brought to you by LT Christian Miura, Chief of the Port State Control Branch. If you have recommendations for future topics, we would appreciate your input. See you in the port!- CAPT Tom Allan

Cyber Security, A New Focus on Maritime Protection

According to a White House Cyberspace Policy Review, industry estimates of losses from intellectual property to data theft in 2008 ranged as high as $1 trillion. In 2010, a Data Breach Investigations Report concluded that 70% of security breaches were caused by external agents, while 90% were the result of deliberate and malicious activity. October 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is intended to promote safe online behavior, institute sound cyber security practices to combat threats, and raise awareness of cyber security across the nation.What is cyber security? Cyber security is the prevention of damage to, unauthorized use of, or exploitation of information and communication systems. It includes the protection of computer systems against unauthorized attacks or intrusion. Why should we care about cyber security in the maritime industry? Cyber systems are considered an integral part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and are vital to the nation’s economic security. In particular, U.S. port facilities are so crucial to preserving U.S. economic and national security that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified them as one of only sixteen designated sectors of U.S. Critical Infrastructure. According to a recent study published by the Brookings Institution, public and private sectors are increasingly dependent on cyber systems for routine and emergency services. However, efforts to protect these systems remain relatively low.Robert Mueller, the former FBI Director, recently expressed grave concern that the cyber threat will soon overtake Al-Qaida as the highest priority. The outgoing DHS Secretary, Janet Napolitano, warned a serious cyber attack on the U.S. homeland was highly probable. In order to address this vulnerability, President Obama signed Executive Order 13636 to improve critical infrastructure cyber security, and Presidential Policy Directive 21 to improve critical infrastructure security. These documents direct government agencies to take steps to seek voluntary cooperation from private industries.While the Coast Guard does not have authority to enforce cyber security requirements on commercial facilities or vessels, the agency is playing a vital role alongside our government and industry partners to improve cyber security awareness. The Coast Guard recognizes the tireless efforts of the maritime community to take proactive measures to address cyber risks. While many actions are underway, below is a series of important actions industry can take now to supplement or initiate cyber security measures:

• Obtain training on cyber security: DHS' exercises website is an excellent source of basic cyber security awareness training.
• Participate in your local Area Maritime Security Assessments, Plans and Exercises.
• Report cyber incidents to the National Response Center at the NRC website or by calling 1-800-424-8802.
• Become familiar with the DHS Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team website. This site has extensive information, recommended best practices, and assessment tools useful for many organizations, including those that do not use cyber industrial control systems.
• Visit and join the Cyber Security Homeport Community to keep abreast of recommendations with regard to cyber security. Please send an email to homeportcybersecurity@uscg.mil to request access to this community.

The Coast Guard is committed to raising cyber security awareness and will continue work with our government and maritime partners to address this serious threat.[divider]Featured image photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Jorgensen